Tag: Glendalough

What a lovely way to welcome in the New Year other than a walk in the countryside of beautiful Glendalough.

Skimming stones in Glendalough at the Upper Lake.jpg

About Glendalough

Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains and has many attractions to enthral visitors, from its world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower dating back to the 6th century, its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way.

Glendalough has a mystique and sense of majesty about it.

I have painted Glendalough, both the Upper Lake and Lower Lake so many times and yet, I never tire doing so.

Serenity at its best – Upper Lake Glendalough

For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.

The Climb

We took the “blue” route which was considered to be the most difficult. Huh! no bother to me, I can easily do that, I thought! Big wooden, studded boulders led the way on into the mountain – on and on – up and up! It was relentless. Feeling like a pressure cooker about to blow a gasket and forced to stop! Gasp!

Heading along the blue route by the Upper Lake in Glendalough

Attempting to look suitably cool, cheeks glowing, we drew in big gulps of air. New year resolutions uppermost in our minds, we vowed we would get fit, exercise more, make a new start. Gathering ourselves, we took regular stops and reassured ourselves that the mountain wasn’t going anywhere! So, in effect, we had permission to slow down and enjoy the experience.

The view from on high at Glendalough

Having reached the top, the landmass somewhat levelled out (phew!). The magnificent scenery unfolded and stole our breath away.

On top of the World

On top of the world in Glendalough Co. Wicklow

The climb continued around the mountain but seeing the car in the distance prompted a descent.

A glimpse of my car, so very far away in the car park at Glendalough

The Descent

Heading down was easier – sure-footed and slow. Feeling somewhat amused at others passing us by skipping and hopping like, mountain goats!

Poulanass Waterfall

Along the way, we hear the roar of Poulanass Waterfall. It marks a sudden drop where a hanging valley meets the main Glendalough valley.

It is thought that during the last Ice Age, a glacier flowing down this small valley was cut off when a larger glacier carved a deeper channel down the Glendalough valley. At the end of the last Ice Age, Glendalough only had one lake, where two now lie.

Descending down the steep hill in Glendalough

The day began to draw to a close and the landscape was cloaked with a dusky haze.

Short winter days, steal away the time from us and brings the day to an early close as the darkness falls.

Even though the mountains were silent and serene, the people would go home and leave this heavenly place to rest for another day.

I pondered about another whole life experience waiting to happen!

Deer, Rabbits, Foxes, Squirrels and all the other wildlife waiting on night to descend. A whole new experience would unfold in these awesome mountains – foraging and going about their way – investigating the discards of the day from the tourists.